Premium small group trip through South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho

We leave the city of Johannesburg behind us and make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade routes into the Lowveld and to Kruger National Park.

“Early in the morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full day of wildlife observation. The abundance of wildlife offers us opportunities for excellent sightings, and Kruger is also home to the famous members of Africa's Big 5. Truly the flagship of South Africa's national parks, Kruger hosts an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals. Our game drive through the park takes place in an open 4x4 vehicle.”

While those who choose the optional morning walk have an earlier start, we will set off a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Along the slope that separates the central plateau from the lower bush landscape of Kruger, the sights of the Panorama Route offer a day full of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and God’s Window, before returning to camp in the late afternoon.

We start the day early with some coffee and traditional zwieback before we make our way through Kruger towards Eswatini. Our vehicle provides an excellent platform for wildlife observation as we head south. We leave the southern end of the park and travel the short distance to the border of Eswatini, our route in the afternoon winding through the mountains and forests of this inland kingdom. Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley, located directly south of the capital Mbabane.

"Officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini, Eswatini is a landlocked country, which means it has no coastline and is completely surrounded by South Africa. Some important Swazi phrases to try are: Hello: "Sawubona" or Yes: "Yebo". Today you have the opportunity to explore your surroundings."

We say goodbye to Eswatini and re-enter South Africa as we continue south into the regions of Zululand, once the realm of the powerful King Shaka, who united the Zulu clans.

We set off early this morning for a safari in the nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last refuges of the endangered rhino. While rhinos are the most well-known inhabitants of the park, the park also provides a home for many other species, including the Big-5, which we all hope to see. After returning to our accommodation for a siesta, we freshen up for a boat tour on the St. Lucia Estuary.

Running through the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the Ukhlamba-Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site. Whether you use the Zulu name uKhahlamba, which means 'Spear Barrier', or the Afrikaans name Drakensberge, which means 'Dragon Mountains', these high mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights. On our way, we make a stop to see the picturesque Howick Falls and visit the nearby site that marked the capture of South Africa's most famous man, Nelson Mandela.

We set off this morning for a long hike. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in the mountains, we can offer separate options depending on the activity level of the group. With a variety of hiking trails available, we can ensure that we cater to every need. The most important goal is to ensure that everyone enjoys this mountain paradise at their own pace.

Our journey today begins with a mountain pass as our path winds through the majestic cliffs of Golden Gate National Park before we enter Lesotho in the afternoon. We pass the capital Maseru as we continue our ascent to our base high among the mountain peaks.

The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the surrounding area, which offers a unique and adventurous landscape to be explored on foot, and we will set off on a journey that takes a few hours.

On our return to South Africa, we descend the mountains and aim across the vast Karoo. The semi-arid Karoo represents the heartland of rural South Africa and provides a stark contrast to the mountains we leave behind. Our overnight stop is located in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. Today we cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River as we travel through the wide landscapes of the Karoo.

This morning you have the opportunity to participate in a sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation. This unique valley offers a panoramic view over the city and the vast plains that stretch below. We set our course again towards the coast, passing through the open plains of the Karoo and making our way to the famous Addo Elephant National Park, where we will enjoy a half-day game drive in our vehicle, in search of the famous elephants that call Addo their home.

We are once again heading into Addo Elephant National Park for our game drive. The recent expansion has made Addo the third largest national park in South Africa. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a great diversity of wildlife, and we will spend the morning searching for the animals.

We are setting off early this morning and will briefly visit the surf mecca of Jeffreys Bay. This small town is best known for its waves and also houses a small surf museum. Then we head west to the Tsitsikamma region, where we will settle in for the next two nights and where the wonders of the Garden Route await us.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is one of the best marine protected areas in South Africa, and this morning we set out to explore the rugged coastline on foot. Our hike along the Waterfall Trail takes us through the first section of the world-famous Otter Trail. This is not an easy hike, and those who prefer a more relaxing option can use the wooden walkways to Storms River Mouth. After our hike, we return and you have the opportunity to book the Woodcutters Journey in the afternoon – to experience the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma biome and learn more about the history of the region and its native fauna and flora.

After a stop in the town of Knysna, we head inland, cross the Outeniqua Mountains, and descend into the town of Oudtshoorn. We set out for the famous Cango Caves to participate in a guided tour, during which we admire the amazing formations that have developed in these impressive limestone caves.

After breakfast, we leave Oudtshoorn and drive through the picturesque Little Karoo as we continue our journey along the Garden Route. Along the way, we pass charming country towns and gentle farmland landscapes before reaching Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet. Take your time to explore the rugged coastline and take unforgettable photos at this iconic landmark. We continue our scenic drive towards Hermanus, known for its spectacular whale watching opportunities (seasonally from June to November) and vibrant coastal atmosphere. After arriving at our accommodation, we enjoy a relaxed evening in this charming coastal town. In the evening, your guide will organize an optional dinner at a selected local restaurant, which provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy regional cuisine and great company.

“This morning we have time to stroll along the Cliff Path (promenade) in Hermanus, which offers panoramic views of the ocean, and if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of the southern right whales (seasonal from June to November). We leave Hermanus and drive along the beautiful Cape Whale Coast, an unspoiled stretch along the coast of South Africa, and stop at one of the largest breeding colonies of African penguins in the Stony Point Nature Reserve. If time permits, we may take a scenic detour through part of the famous Cape Winelands, where we have the opportunity to stop, stretch our legs, and grab a bite to eat (optional). Your tour ends upon arrival in Cape Town's city center.”